Five-star rated Padel Power in Northampton to open new gym and Pilates studio this weekend – with soft play to follow

Padel Power owner Joe Barron said the centre had been ‘very busy, very hectic’ since opening in April – but also ‘very successful’.

The business opened at in Gladstone Road, Kings Heath, on April 3 and has welcomed more than 7,000 players through its doors since

Speaking about the first six months, Joe said: "It’s been much busier than we imagined, if I'm honest. I think the community has really driven it.

"I think the biggest thing for us has been the community. People come in, they enjoy themselves, they bring people back, and then those people bring their friends. That's what we've wanted from the start."

The centre's new gym opens this weekend, with a free open day running from 7am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

From Saturday morning (September 12), memberships will be available from £34.99 a month, with prices of £29.99 for over-65s and £24.99 for under-16s and students.

Joe said the 600 sq m gym had been created in space within the existing warehouse where the roof was not high enough for more padel courts.

He said: “We've used the side space where the roof height wasn't sufficient for padel courts.

"So if you're on the treadmill or stairmaster, you'll be able to watch the padel at the same time."

The gym includes a full pin-loaded set-up, full plate-loaded set-up, cardio equipment, treadmills, stairmasters and a hyrox zone.

From Monday September 14, the gym will be open from 5am until midnight Monday to Friday, and from 6am until 11pm at weekends. Gym membership will be separate from padel membership.

The new Pilates studio has eight Align Pilates reformer beds, with the space available to view this weekend and classes bookable from Monday. Sessions cost £20, or £100 for six.

The centre is also preparing to open a soft play area within the next couple of weeks.

It will be aimed at children roughly aged three to eight, with sessions bookable and supervised by a member of staff.

Alongside the new facilities, the venue has its padel courts, changing facilities and a bar and cafe area where players can relax after a game.

The centre now has around 300 active weekly players in its league, as well as a growing programme of corporate and school events.

And customers have also been leaving glowing reviews, with Padel Power now having more than 125 five-star Google reviews.

One reviewer said: "Been a few times now and really love the place. Plenty of courts, really good showers and a nice cafe/bar area to relax in after a game. Staff all really friendly and helpful as well."

Another said: "The padel facility Northampton was crying out for. The team have built a fantastic social hub for padel enthusiasts to play and hang out. They seem to have thought of everything. I know I'll be spending a lot of time here. I would highly recommend anyone from beginners to advanced players to check them out!"

Joe said there was still more to come. He said: “We've got the whole upstairs space which is currently unused.

"We're looking at a few different things at the moment, but nothing's finalised.

"We want to make sure whatever we do adds something that complements what we've already got."